Tool wear is one of the most costly problems in many manufacturing companies. Most companies have ongoing programs to try to reduce the cost of tool wear by continually improving tool materials. Part of improving tool life is monitoring the wear that is occurring. In the cutting and perforating of products made from plastic webs, the predominant mode of wear is polishing abrasion. Tool edges start in service with a very small radius which gets progressively larger as tool wear progresses. The minute wear is extremely difficult to quantify. This paper deals with the techniques that can be used to assess changes in tool edge radius produced by polishing abrasion from the product that is being shaped by tools. Common and the not-so-common assessment techniques are discussed and it is shown that elastomer replicas coupled with microscopic edge inspection can be effective in assessing how tools are wearing with time, so that improvements in tool life can be made.


An artificial intelligence system that processes geo-thematic data would profit from a (semi-)formal or controlled natural language interface that incorporates concepts for nearness. Though there already exists logical-engineering approaches giving sufficient conditions for nearness relations, we show within a logical analysis that these suffer from some deficiencies. Non-engineering approaches to nearness such as the abstract mathematical approach based on proximity spaces do not deal with the implementation aspects but axiomatically formalize intuitions on nearness relations and provide insights on their nature. Combining the ideas of the engineering approach with the mathematical approach of proximity spaces, we define and analyze new nearness relations that provide a good compromise between implementation needs and the need for an appropriate approximation of the natural nearness concept.


Recently completed controlled clinical trials suggest that the functional status and natural history of patients with chronic heart failure can be modified by drugs that enhance or interfere with the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. Long-term treatment with beta-receptor agonists can produce clinical benefits in some patients by improving left ventricular diastolic function, even if tolerance develops to the effects of these drugs on cardiac output and left ventricular ejection fraction. beta-Receptor stimulation, however, may also provoke ventricular arrhythmias by a direct effect on the failing heart or by promoting the development of hypokalemia. Similarly, long-term treatment with beta-receptor antagonists may improve left ventricular systolic performance, ameliorate symptoms, and reduce mortality in chronic heart failure. beta-Receptor blockade, however, may lead to worsening heart failure by interfering with the positive inotropic or the peripheral vasodilator actions of endogenous catecholamines. It is noteworthy that many of the benefits of beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists seem to be mediated by the effects of these drugs on the beta 1-receptor, whereas many of the deleterious responses to treatment appear to be related to the interaction of these agents with the beta 2-receptor. These observations support the concept that beta 1-receptors are the principal mediators of cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in states of circulatory stress, are most likely to be altered by the abnormal pathophysiological conditions of chronic heart failure, and consequently, provide a rational target for the development of novel therapeutic agents.


In this paper, we focus on the task of extracting named entities together with their associated sentiment information in a joint manner. Our key observation in such an entity-level sentiment analysis (a.k.a. targeted sentiment analysis) task is that there exists a sentiment scope within which each named entity is embedded, which largely decides the sentiment information associated with the entity. However, such sentiment scopes are typically not explicitly annotated in the data, and their lengths can be unbounded. Motivated by this, unlike traditional approaches that cast this problem as a simple sequence labeling task, we propose a novel approach that can explicitly model the latent sentiment scopes. Our experiments on the standard datasets demonstrate that our approach is able to achieve better results compared to existing approaches based on conventional conditional random fields (CRFs) and a more recent work based on neural networks.


Summary Background: This paper reports on work carried out to elicit information needs at a trans-disciplinary, nurse-managed health care clinic that serves a medically disadvantaged urban population. The trans-disciplinary model provides a "one-stop shop" for patients who can receive a wide range of services beyond traditional primary care. However, this model of health care presents knowledge sharing challenges because little is known about how data collected from the non-traditional services can be integrated into the traditional electronic medical record (EMR) and shared with other care providers. There is also little known about how health information technology (HIT) can be used to support the workflow in such a practice. Objectives: The objective of this case study was to identify the information needs of care providers in order to inform the design of HIT to support knowledge sharing and distributed decision making. Methods: A participatory design approach is presented as a successful technique to specify requirements for HIT applications that can support a trans-disciplinary model of care. Results: Using this design approach, the researchers identified the information needs of care providers working at the clinic and suggested HIT improvements to integrate non-traditional information into the EMR. These modifications allow knowledge sharing among care providers and support better health decisions. Conclusions: We have identified information needs of care providers as they are relevant to the design of health information systems. As new technology is designed and integrated into various workflows it is clear that understanding information needs is crucial to acceptance of that technology.


Purpose To identify the potential pathogenic mutation over five generations of a Chinese family with congenital Coppock-like cataracts (CCL). Methods We investigated five generations of a Chinese family affected with CCL. The family resides in a relatively isolated region of northern China. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all of the family members, and genomic DNA was then extracted from the blood samples. A genome-wide linkage scan was performed using about 400 microsatellite markers. Two-point LOD (linkage odd disequilibrium) scores (Z) were calculated using the LINKAGE programs (ver. 5.1). Cyrillic software processed the resulting haplotypes. Mutation detection was performed in the candidate gene by direct sequencing. Results The maximum LOD score was obtained at marker D13S175 (lod score [Zmax]=5.90; recombination fraction [θ]=0.0). Haplotype analysis traced the disease gene to a 6.99-cM interval bounded by D13S1316 and D13S1275 on chromosome 13q12.11. Direct sequencing of the candidate gene GJA3 (gap junction protein alpha-3) revealed a c.427G>A transition in exon 2 of GJA3 that co-segregated with the cataract in the family members and was not observed in 100 control patients. This single-nucleotide change resulted in the substitution of a highly conserved glycine by arginine (G143R). Conclusions The present study identified a novel mutation in GJA3 that causes CCL. As the first report to relate p.G143R mutation in GJA3, it expands the mutation spectrum of GJA3. Our report is the first in identification of the mutation of GJA3 in the cytoplasmic-loop domain. This mutation is associated with multiple members of a five-generation family with congenital CCL.


Ninety-two umbilical pathologies were surgically treated in Holstein, Aberdeen Angus, and Polled Hereford calves, both males and females, whose ages ranged between 2 and 8 months. The pathology diagnosis was performed considering the main anatomical elements involved in the umbilical cord, the inflammation progression, and the macroscopic characteristics of injuries. The umbilical cord pathologies were related to calving characteristics. The proportion of affected umbilical cords in calves born via assisted calving (77%) was significantly higher than that observed in calves born from normal parturition. The umbilical cord pathology of highest occurrence was omphalophlebitis (53.2%). A considerable proportion of infectious diseases of the urachus was observed (29.3%). First-degree omphalophlebitis was diagnosed in a major proportion of surgical cases (30.4%) and showed significant differences in relation to the more serious pathologies of third-degree omphalophlebitis (5.4%) and third-degree omphalourachitis (5.4%). The occurrence of umbilical cord diseases treated surgically was significantly higher in assisted calving (77%) than in eutocic birth.


In this paper, the properties of plasters based on lime – brick powder binder of varying composition (ceramics content from 0 to 80 %) are studied. The plasters are prepared with a constant water amount. The pore size distribution is thus influenced in a positive way; the total porosity increases with the ceramics content but the volume of capillary pores is reduced. It results in lower water vapor diffusion resistance factor while the apparent moisture diffusivity coefficient increases just moderately. The influence of ceramic on strength of plasters is not found very important. The thermal conductivity of plasters containing ceramics is lower than those with the pure lime what is again in agreement with the pore size distribution. It can be concluded that fine brick powder can be used as pozzolanic admixture in lime based plasters with a positive influence on its functional parameters. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.22.3.7433


A K-band low-power and low-phase-noise voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is presented in this letter. By utilizing four-coil transformer feedback and forward body bias topology, good performances are obtained under a low-power supply with a 5.1% tuning range and a phase noise of -109.8 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from the 21.37-GHz carrier frequency. The core circuit of this VCO only consumes 3.5 mW with a 0.6-V supply voltage and a 0.55-V body bias.


Embedded systems have been applied widely, not only to consumer products and industrial machines, but also to new applications such as ubiquitous or sensor networking. The increasing role of software (SW) in embedded system development has caused a great demand for embedded SW engineers, and university education for embedded SW engineering has become important. The embedded software engineers should learn system architecture design and hardware (HW) technologies as well as SW technologies. However, only a few universities offer education courses for embedded software engineering that include system architecture design and HW technologies. This paper proposes a student experiment method that is designed to nurture embedded SW engineers by teaching these technologies. The proposed method includes an experiment for embedded SW development, an experiment for embedded HW development and a HW/SW co-design experiment, which help students learn system architecture design skills such as system modeling, HW/SW tradeoff design, and SW and HW module design. A model of each experiment was developed and evaluated.


Accentuate the positive is an ongoing creative writing project initiated as a response to patients facing challenging issues relating to self-worth as a result of living with a life threatening illness. Patients are offered a quiet private space for one-to-one discussion with the creative therapist in which to explore and identify their thoughts and feelings regarding, spirituality, the impact of their illness on communication, relationships and notions of 'self'. Common themes arising in these discussions centre around the erosion of autonomy, the changes in personal roles and family dynamics, anger and frustration over the loss of independence and the increase in dependency on others. The role of the creative therapist is to listen and support the patient expressing issues and emotions, and can, with the agreement of the patient, engage the wider multi-professional team with any clinical concerns that may arise during the session. Patients are then invited to identify and connect with positive attributes, acknowledge existing abilities, and affirm strengths and ways of coping. This can sometimes be a difficult process for patients experiencing low mood and anxiety. In these circumstances, the creative therapist may offer observations and reflections that help to establish and list positives on behalf of the patient to get the ball rolling. With a list of positives identified, the patient and the creative therapist may then work together to create a piece of writing celebrating and affirming; what the patient can still do for themselves, their attributes and abilities, important relationships, and what they hold dear. Patients are then encouraged to consider sharing the work produced with fellow patients and families. Patient feedback on the project has been very positive and that the experience has been a valuable opportunity in promoting good communication, and an increase in feelings of self-worth and self-esteem through creative expression.


ABSTRACT: The peak "hothouse" interval of the Turonian-Coniacian (93-87 Ma) is represented on the U.S. middle Atlantic Coastal Plain by sequences of the Raritan/Bass River, Magothy, and Cheesequake Formations deposited on a passive continental margin as mixed wave-, tide-, and river dominated deltas. We apply sequence stratigraphy integrated with biostratigraphy to identify and map two major sequence boundaries separating the Raritan/Bass River, Magothy, and Cheesequake Formations and four to five (Mg1, Mg2, Mg3, ?Mg4, Mg5) Magothy sequences using continuous cores, outcrops, and geophysical logs in New Jersey. We extend correlations into New York and Delaware using well logs. The Magothy sequences disconformably overlie the well-dated (>93 Ma) lower Turonian to Cenomanian marine Raritan/Bass River sequences and are disconformably overlain by the marine Cheesequake Formation, which straddles the Coniacian/Santonian boundary. A "mid-Turonian" hiatus (ca. 93-90 Ma) associated with this major disconformity is a global sequence boundary (K-Tu4) reflecting a ~ 25 m sea-level lowering based on published NJ and Russian Platform backstripping records that indicate this was a major lowering of Global Mean Sea Level (GMSL).Higher-order (~1 Myr scale) sequence boundaries bracketing Mg1-Mg5 apparently correlate with global sequences but are only associated with low-amplitude (<25 m) sea-level falls.Mapping of sequences within the Magothy Formation shows the influence of 2 to 3 moderate-sized river sources, with thickening northeastward toward Long Island, New York, and thinning southwestward toward Delaware. Thick northern depocenters contrast with the preceding Potomac Formation (Barremian-early Cenomanian) with thick southern depocenters. This seesawing of basins on the 100-300 km and 2-10+ Myr scales is due to tectonism likely from changes inmantle dynamic topography. The remarkably widespread distribution of Magothy sequences and facies indicates stability of this deltaic depositional system over ~ 4Myr despite low-amplitude (less than 25m) sea-level variations.Widespread facies correlation provides a predictable distribution of aquifer sands and confining-unit clays tied to sea-level changes on complex deltaic facies.


Bangka Tin Slag (BTS) was a tin-smelting waste containing high silica and other elements that have high economic value, including cerium, which is a rare earth element. Silica and Ce 2 O 3 contents in BTS were 32.86 % and 1.35 % respectively. Other elements that have high concentrations in BTS include 15.46 % of CaO, 10.88 % of Al 2 O 3 , and 9.20% of Fe 2 O 3 . The objective of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for cerium extraction using HCl, which includes HCl concentration, temperature, particle size, stirring speed, and dissolution time. In addition, the effect of these parameters on Ce extraction was also studied. The one-factor-at-time method was used to determine the optimum conditions. Pretreatment of BTS with the alkaline fusion method and water leaching was done to reduce both the silica content and increasing its porosity. Alkaline fusion carried out at 700 ℃ using NaOH converts the silica into water-soluble sodium silicate. Characterization of the slag structure before and after the pretreatment process was completely carried out by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and optical microscope. Furthermore, measurement of Ce content in the filtrate of the dissolution process was performed with inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the optimum of 75.16 % Ce was extracted by using some parameter conditions, namely by 2.5 M of HCl concentration, at the temperature of 40 ℃, with the particle size of –325 mesh, stirring speed of 150 rpm, and dissolution time of 180 minutes. Each parameter gives a significant effect on Ce extraction, wherein the initial stage, the increase in the value of each parameter gives an increase in Ce extraction and begins to decrease when equilibrium occurs


Context: Recently, problem-based learning (PBL) methods have been incorporated into occupational therapy (OT) curricula as in healthcare curricula worldwide. Yet, most studies examining the effectiveness of these methods have not taken into account the individuals' learning style and occupational functioning, despite of their importance. Objective: Our research examined the question of whether specific learning styles correlate with a higher self-evaluation by occupational therapy students of their occupational functioning (learning, studying) during a new course incorporating PBL method and with greater course satisfaction. Methods: 40 female students took part in the study. The various learning demands in the new PBL course are described. We assessed students' learning styles using Felder's Index of Learning Styles, while Self-Assessments of Occupational Functioning (SAOF) provided learning outcome data. We used both a modified 23-item SAOF and a novel 26-item adapted version, to examine the occupational functioning required of healthcare practitioners. Course satisfaction was assessed accordingly. Results: Occupational therapy students adopt all learning styles (sensing, intuitive, visual, verbal, active, reflective, sequential, and global) equally. Nevertheless, two-tailed Pearson's tests revealed that a sensing (i.e. practical, facts-oriented) learning style most strongly correlates with greater assessed occupational functioning in the areas of habituation and performance, e.g. time organization, routine flexibility, and communication (r = 0.33, p < 0.05). An intuitive learning style correlates with a significant ability to identify problems (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) and set goals (r = 0.36, p < 0.05), and global learning style yielded greater course satisfaction (r = 0.56, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Students having sensing and intuitive learning styles gain most from the use of PBL method. Thus, the apparently contradictory findings of earlier research regarding the efficacy of PBL methods may have arisen from differences in the learning styles of the populations surveyed. Since problem- based and traditional teaching methods appear to suit different learning styles and to better impart different skill sets, they should be regarded as complementary.


The weathering of a trioctahedral mica (phlogopite, 2-100-mu-m particle size) was investigated in the rhizosphere of 'Turilo' Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). A special culture vessel made it possible to simulate a one-dimensional macroscopic rhizosphere by developing a root mat on a polyamide net. This root mat was laid down on a mica-agar substrate that was cut into slices 0.5 mm thick (parallel to the root mat) after 1, 2, 3, and 4 d of contact. The phlogopite mica was the sole source of both K and Mg for the plants. Whereas there was no significant release of Mg as a consequence of the roots' activity, K was released and concomitantly the mica lattice expanded after 3 d of continuous exposure to the root mat, in response to K uptake by plants. After 4 d, the vermiculitization of the phlogopite was detectable up to 1.5 mm from the root surface (i.e., the root mat) by x-ray diffractometry. Such rapid mineralogical changes induced by roots support the view that primary minerals such as trioctahedral micas might contribute significantly to the supply of K to the plants, at least around the most active parts of the roots.


This study investigates behavioral executive functions (EFs) in the mathematics classroom context among adolescents with different mathematics performance levels. The EF problems were assessed by teachers using a behavioral rating inventory. Using cutoff scores on a standardized mathematics assessment, groups with mathematics difficulties (MD; n = 124), low mathematics performance (LA; n = 140), and average or higher scores (AC; n = 355) were identified. Results showed that the MD group had more problems with distractibility, directing attention, shifting attention, initiative, execution of action, planning, and evaluation than the LA group, whereas the differences in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and sustaining attention were not significant. Compared to the AC group, the MD group showed more problems with all behavioral EFs except hyperactivity and impulsivity, while the LA group showed more problems only with shifting attention. Male adolescents showed more behavioral EF problems than female adolescents, but this gender difference was negligible within the MD group. The practical implications of the results are discussed.


Recent advances in deep learning have relied heavily on the use of large Transformers due to their ability to learn at scale. However, the core building block of Transformers, the attention operator, exhibits quadratic cost in sequence length, limiting the amount of context accessible. Existing subquadratic methods based on low-rank and sparse approximations need to be combined with dense attention layers to match Transformers, indicating a gap in capability. In this work, we propose Hyena, a subquadratic drop-in replacement for attention constructed by interleaving implicitly parametrized long convolutions and data-controlled gating. In recall and reasoning tasks on sequences of thousands to hundreds of thousands of tokens, Hyena improves accuracy by more than 50 points over operators relying on state-spaces and other implicit and explicit methods, matching attention-based models. We set a new state-of-the-art for dense-attention-free architectures on language modeling in standard datasets (WikiText103 and The Pile), reaching Transformer quality with a 20% reduction in training compute required at sequence length 2K. Hyena operators are twice as fast as highly optimized attention at sequence length 8K, and 100x faster at sequence length 64K.


Performers of reed‐driven woodwinds understand the important role that the reed plays in the production of aesthetically expressive musical sounds, yet the current status of musical acoustics theory and experiment concerning the reed is ambiguous. Benade (1976) stressed the importance of the reed resonance in controlling the tuning and tone color of reed‐driven woodwinds, and Thompson (1979) experimentally measured such tuning effects using a metal reed with a quality factor (Q) of about 10. However, the Q of a clarinet reed has been reported to be about 3. Time‐domain simulations of a clarinet with a Q of 3 did not show the predicted entrainment of the playing frequency to a subharmonic of the reed frequency (Keefe, 1992). Measured responses of moist clarinet and saxophone reeds using mechanical impact excitation have been obtained in a configuration in which the experimenter's thumb applies the static force of the reed against the mouthpiece. This is intended to mimic the lower lip of the player under playing conditions. Results indicate Q's in the range of 5–10. Time‐domain simulations of sound production demonstrate that entrainment can occur in these higher‐Q regimes.


Reading Law as Narrative: A Study in the Casuistic Laws of the Pentateuch, by Assnat Bartor. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2010. 219 pp. $27.95. The relationship between law and narrative in the Hebrew Bible has become a popular, multi-faceted area of study in recent decades, and the present book, which originates in a Tel- Aviv doctorate, makes a distinctive and valuable contribution (albeit one rather narrower in scope than the publisher's description on the back cover). The author is both a Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Tel- Aviv University and a criminal attorney; she takes her inspiration from the "Law and Literature" movement in modem jurisprudence. But her focus is relatively narrow: not every law is susceptible to a narrative reading; rather she seeks to survey the "miniature stories" represented by the "casuistic laws" of the Pentateuch (broadly defined), where (typically) the "if" clause indicates "an event ... that results in damage to another person and [better: or?] changes the prevailing state of affairs," while the "then" clause prescribes "an action . . . that is designed to restore equilibrium, as far as possible." This suggests that the narrative elements reside in the content of the laws. However, the author's primary contribution resides elsewhere. Chapter One distinguishes "frame stories" from "embedded stories." The frame stories are those of the anonymous narrator, who may embed stories of the (legal activity of) named characters (including God and Moses as legislators), which may themselves tell (legal) stories regarding characters. As Bartor observes, this structure stems from the theological outlook of the author, and though she makes little attempt to engage with biblical theology, many of her analyses are of considerable theological interest. Chapter Two considers the Lawgiver as (embedded) Narrator. The object here is not so much to analyze the respective roles of God and Moses (a task particularly important for Deuteronomy) but rather to discover the literary characteristics which distinguish the narrators of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:19-23:19), Deuteronomy, and the Priestly legislation (distinguishing for some purposes the "Holiness Code" of Leviticus 17-26). The characteristics Bartor studies are "participation" in the content of the laws narrated and the "perceptibility" of the legislator through signs of his own attitudes to the laws described (e.g., through the use of motive clauses and emotive language). The incidence of such "perceptibility," she maintains, is in fact so pervasive that she has to restrict herself to examples. In discussing "participation," the author adopts different criteria in her account of the different sources. In the Book of the Covenant participation is manifest through the (occasional) use of first and second person forms, though this conclusion is perhaps debatable, given the relatively small length of the Book of the Covenant. When the author turns to Deuteronomy, she looks at the incidence of "the intensive and varied modes of integration of the addressee [including the "external addressee," the reader], and the repeated reference to the act of legislation" (p. 35, emphasis in original). This integration serves to emphasize the relationship between lawgiver and addressee. In her analysis of "perceptibility" (pp. 59-84), Bartor is more systematic, comparing the same features over the different corpora. Her manifestations of perceptibility include motive clauses and the use of emotive language (such as the aswn of Exod. 21:22-23), both found already in the Book of the Covenant but greatly magnified in Deuteronomy (e.g., in the use of to'evah, p. 81), which is essentially hortatory. By contrast, the Priestly lawgiver is characterized by "a guiding hand that organizes, defines, categorizes, or summarizes contents"; like Deuteronomy, the approach is didactic, but directed to a "professionalacademic" rather than a popular audience (pp. …


The use of the term 'community approaches' in psychosocial work often involves multiple meanings, all of which contrast with individual approaches to mental health. The importance of the context emphasizes the need to design and implement emergency programmes in ways that 'make sense' to local populations. This requires not only consideration of generational, gender, spiritual, and cultural practices within the community, but also reinforcing existing resilient resources in the face of adversity. In this commentary we describe several examples and sources that present ways of working in Latin American communities after disaster.We discuss the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, with a speci¢c focus on 'Community Mobilization and Support'and the four common functions it contains.


The labor market is currently experiencing employees of four generations. Each generation has different behavior patterns, attitudes, expectations, habits, and motivational mechanisms. As generational gaps play an important role in the business process, organizations have to find ways to balance the needs and views of different age groups. To overcome the negative outcomes arising from generational differences and to use the strengths of each generation, the implementation of comprehensive and proactive model of intergenerational cooperation, presented in the paper, is becoming the necessity for each organization because of the benefits.


The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of NaCl concentration on the emulsifying and rheological properties of porcine myofibrillar protein (MF)-stabilized soybean oil and fish oil emulsion (SO-EMs and FO-EMs). Emulsions (EMs) were prepared from 1% MF with 10% SO or FO at various NaCl concentration (0-0.5 M). The emulsifying ability index (EAI) of the EMs increased with increasing NaCl concentration for both oil types. Conversely, increasing NaCl manifested decrease in the emulsion stability index (ESI). In addition, creaming index (CI) also increased with NaCl concentration. From the microscopic observation, droplets of the EMs were more aggregated at relatively higher NaCl concentrations, especially for FO-EMs. All EMs had a gel-like structure owing to G' > G" from the rheological analysis. Comparing the oil types, the emulsifying capacity of SO-EMs was more stable than that of FO-EMs at all NaCl concentrations as determined from the CI value and microscopic observation. Therefore, it can be concluded that SO-EMs and FO-EMs are more stable at relatively lower concentrations of NaCl. In addition, the dispersed stability of SO-EMs was better than that of FO-EMs at the same concentration of NaCl.


Summary The potential of Streptomyces as a probiotic feed for the growth of ornamental fish Xiphophorus helleri has been investigated. The Streptomyces strains used as probiotics were isolated from the marine sponges, namely Callyspongia diffusa, Mycale mytilorum, Tedania anhelans and Dysidea fragilis. Seven probiotic feeds were prepared and their effects were compared with those of control diet containing no probiotics. After 50 days of feeding trials, the growth parameters, namely absolute growth rate, specific growth rate, relative growth rate and feed conversion efficiency were found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in groups that received probiotic feed additive than in the control, whereas feed conversion ratio was lower. The fish fed with probiotic feed showed significant improvement in length than the fish fed with control feed. Thus it was found that in addition to being effective antibiotic agents against harmful pathogens, Streptomyces could also promote the growth of fish effectively. Marine Actinobacteria, particularly Streptomyces, could thus be a promising probiotic in aquaculture.


Based on morphological evidence, mitochondrial inner membrane growth has been reported to be discontinuous in heat shock-synchronized Tetrahymena pyriformis. As a biochemical measure of membrane growth under these conditions, we have examined phospholipid accumulation in the cell. No marked modulation of the accumulation of any of the major phospholipids could be detected through the cell cycle. At least 89% of the cardiolipin in the cells is restricted to the mitochondria, and we have used it as a marker for the growth of the mitochondrial inner membrane. During the heat shock synchrony, cardiolipin accumulates uniformly in parallel with the exponential rate of increase of total cellular phospholipids. These results suggest that at least the phospholipid component of all membrane systems in the cell grow continuously and uniformly. Additionally, we have shown that the total phospholipid content of Tetrahymena increases by a factor of 2.4 per generation following a series of heat shocks. No such net overaccumulation is observed for protein content.


Gas-liquid stirred vessels are widely employed to carry out chemical reactions involving a gas reagent and a liquid phase. The usual way for introducing the gas stream into the liquid phase is through suitable distributors placed below the impeller. An interesting alternative is that of using "self ingesting" vessels where the headspace gas phase is injected and dispersed into the vessel through suitable surface vortices. In this work the performance of a Long Draft Tube Self-ingesting Reactor (LDTSR) dealing with three-phase (gas-liquid-solid) systems, is investigated. Preliminary experimental results on the effectiveness of this contactor for particle suspension and gas-liquid mass transfer performance in the three-phase system, are presented. Mass-transfer parameter kLa was measured by the recently introduced Simplified Dynamic Pressure Method (SDPM). It is found that the presence of low particle fractions causes a significant increase of the minimum speed required for vortex ingestion of the gas. Impeller pumping capacity and gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient are found to be affected by the presence of solid particles.


: The term antibiotic is now generally used to include antimicrobial substances produced by chemical means as well as those produced by micro-organisms. They may be either bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal. A bacteriostatic antibiotic inhibits the growth and replication of bacteria thereby giving the body's natural defence mechanisms time to become effective in overcoming an infection. In the majority of cases, and particularly in patients whose natural resistance is lowered by disorders of the immune system, it is preferable to choose a bacteriocidal agent. The first bacteriocidal antibiotic was penicillin G. The structure of the penicillin molecule is discussed as a basis for the understanding of its mode of action and of the mechanisms which lead to bacterial resistance. The modified and semisynthetic derivatives of penicillin are discussed and specific indications for their use are described in detail. Alternatives to the use of penicillin are also discussed and particular attention is paid to the cephalosporins and the tetracyclines.


Introduction. Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a rare condition characterized by the focal absence of skin, and sometimes other underlying structures at birth. It may occur as an isolated defect or associated with other anomalies and defects. Bullous ACC (BACC) is a clinical subtype of the condition with few cases reported in the literature. It presents as a bullous lesion at birth which gradually transforms into an atrophic scar covered by a thin epithelial membrane. It is considered as cutaneous sign of possible neural tube dysraphism. Some cases present with a dark hair around the lesion (the hair collar sign), which can be even more indicative of neural tube defect. However, cases of BACC reported till today are inconclusive regarding this connection. Case report. We report a two cases of BACC of the scalp, in one patient associated with hair collar sign without neural tube defects and the other with hemangioma and we give a brief review of the selected literature. Conclusion. Bullous or membranous aplasia cutis congenita is benign condition, but may represent as a cutaneous marker of occult neural tube defect. Recognising the condition is important in order to rule out associated anomalies.


The phenotype of the R gene-mediated resistance derived from oilseed rape ( Brassica napus ) cv. Imola against the light leaf spot plant pathogen, Pyrenopeziza brassicae , was characterized. Using a doubled haploid B. napus mapping population that segregated for resistance against P. brassicae , development of visual symptoms was characterized and symptomless growth was followed using quantitative PCR and scanning electron microscopy on leaves of resistant ⁄ susceptible lines inoculated with suspensions of P. brassicae conidia. Initially, in controlled-environment experiments, growth of P. brassicae was unaf-fected; then from 8 days post-inoculation (dpi) some epidermal cells collapsed ('black flecking') in green living tissue of cv. Imola and from 13 to 36 dpi there was no increase in the amount of P. brassicae DNA and no asexual sporulation (acervu-li ⁄ pustules). By contrast, during this period there was a 300-fold increase in P. brassicae DNA and extensive asexual sporulation in leaves of the susceptible cv. Apex. However, when leaf tissue senesced, the amount of P. brassicae DNA increased rapidly in the resistant but not in the susceptible cultivar and sexual sporulation (apothecia) was abundant on senescent tissues of both. These results were consistent with observations from both controlled condition and field experiments with lines from the mapping population that segregated for this resistance. Analysis of results of both controlled-environment and field experiments suggested that the resistance was mediated by a single R gene located on chromosome A1.


Men's illness vulnerabilities and resilience are two predominant and regularly linked constructs in the masculinities and men's health literature. There has been a steady stream of men's strength-based vulnerabilities in the form of illness testimonials amid critiques that such disclosures are mere props for bolstering patriarchal power. The current article presents secondary analyses of case studies with four participants who took part in wide-ranging qualitative health studies to detail diverse connections between masculinities and men's illness vulnerabilities and resilience. Prostate cancer-related vulnerabilities feature in the first case study where Arthur's resilience for reclaiming his erectile function post-prostatectomy mobilizes an objection masculinity contesting his marginality. In the second case study, Chuck's vulnerabilities are conceded as permanent flowing from his severe mental illness, a positionality situating resilience as obligatory for his survival. Here, Chuck embodies a resignate masculinity that accepts but works to manage the harms of his subordinate status. In the aftermath of his young son's suicide, Jack laments that he did not model vulnerabilities. Resilience for understanding his loss influences a reimagined masculinity where Jack contemplates changes to gender norms for his and other men's lives. Lastly, Sami replaces maladaptive actions for dousing vulnerabilities incurred through a partner-initiated separation with resilience for self-growth. Aspiring progress masculinity, Sami deconstructs his emotions and behaviors to positively change how he shows up as a man, father, and partner. The case studies reveal connections between objection, resignate, reimagined, and progress masculinities and men's illness vulnerabilities and resilience to advance empirical, gender theory and methodological insights.


This paper investigates the implications of cross-country heterogeneity within the euro area for the design of optimal monetary policy. We build an optimizing-based multi-country model (MCM) describing the euro area in which differences between structural parameters across countries are allowed. Using Bayesian techniques, we estimate the MCM and its area-wide counterpart (AWM). We then question which model is the most appropriate for monetary policy purposes. Several results emerge. First, using an AWM induces relatively large and significant welfare losses. Second, this is not the use of a rule based on aggregated variables that is costly in terms of welfare, but rather the use of a sub-optimal forecasting model. Third, allowing for habit on consumption has important implications for the dynamics of models but taking into account difference in price indexation has more drastic effects on welfare losses.


Objectives: To study the correlation between characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and microvessel density (MVD) of ovarian tumors. Methods: Sixty-two patients with benign and malignant ovarian tumors were examined by contrast-enhanced transvaginal ultrasound, when they were diagnosed by a conventional ultrasound scan in which the diagnosis could not be differentiated. Data were analyzed by time-intensity curves (TIC). The MVD in ovarian tumor specimens from either biopsies or surgery was examined by CD34 immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between ultrasound PI and AUC and MVD in two groups was analyzed. Results: Ovarian tumors were diagnosed as malignant in 58% (36/62) patients and benign 42% (26/62) patients by surgery, laparoscopy and ultrasound-guided biopsy. The mean tumor diameter was 1.7–9.3 cm (4.6 ± 1.8) cm. Ultrasound examination showed that: (1) in benign and malignant tumors, PI values were (13.5 ± 8.3) dB and (20.3 ± 5.2) dB, respectively; and AUCs were (8.2 ± 5.9) and (17.5 ± 5.0), respectively. PI and AUC in malignant tumors were significantly higher than those in benign tumors (P < 0.05). (2) MVD of malignant tumors (65.3 ± 22.3) was higher than that benign tumors (43.1 ± 20.4) (P < 0.01). (3) In both groups, PI value and AUC were significantly correlated with MVD (r = 0.595, r = 0.533, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Ultrasound PI value and AUC were significantly correlated with ovarian tumor MVD. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound could be helpful in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumor malignancy.


Under the influence of powerful irrigation and timber lobbies, the state of Idaho enacted a law in 1996 which renounced the application of the public trust doctrine to water rights and public land decisionmaking, in an effort to overturn several decisions of the Idaho Supreme Court. This article explains the genesis of that law, exposes its flaws, and questions its validity. In particular, we maintain that the rights that Idaho legislature attempted to terminate are in fact inalienable, sovereign rights that a state cannot renounce. We also argue that a state cannot, consistent with the federal law, terminate public rights in lands conveyed to the state under the equal footing doctrine. Finally, we contend that the Idaho statute violates the state constitution's declaration of the public character of water within the state. The article notes that its analysis may have use beyond the state of Idaho, as several other western states have constitutional provisions that could be interpreted to incorporate the public trust doctrine.


In school settings, teachers are on the front lines for supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) adolescents and have direct contact with students daily. Previous research establishes that LGBTQ+ adolescents are at a higher rate of experiencing mental health disorders compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers due to high social stress from discrimination and bullying. The current study expanded upon previous literature by examining preservice teachers' knowledge, attitudes, and comfort towards LGBTQ+ students, the relationship between these factors, and teachers' intention to engage in school-based LGBTQ+ advocacy. Participants were 168 undergraduate and graduate level preservice teachers currently attending accredited teacher preparatory programs in the Northeastern United States. Results indicated that this sample of preservice teachers fostered a substantial degree of knowledge regarding the LGBTQ+ community, positive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ persons, and a high degree of comfort. These factors knowledge, attitudes and comfort were significantly related to each other. Levels of knowledge was also significantly associated with attitudes and comfort as well as future intent to support LGBTQ+ students. Further, their attitudes and comfort predicted future intent to advocate on behalf of LGBTQ+ students. Study implications and limitations are explored.


Emotional attention bias refers that emotional stimuli usually get priority of attention over the neutral stimuli, which has been frequently replicated in normal participants. However, previous studies reported that teenagers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) had atypical attention patterns of processing emotional faces and pictures, that is, their first attention was located at the neutral stimuli instead of the emotional stimuli. According to the perceptual load theory, some studies demonstrated the deficiency of attention bias to emotions in the teenagers with ASD was due to the perceptual load of the main task was too high for them, so that they can't process the emotion. Till now, little has been known about the ASD teenagers' attention in processing auditory emotional stimuli, although emotional expression also actually depends on the changes of acoustic cues in the speech prosody. To testify the generality of attention bias to cross-model emotions in the teenagers with ASD, we extended the experimental materials to emotional prosody. In present study, 14 teenagers with ASD and 17 typical developing (TD) people were recruited in two experiments. The participants were required to complete a main task while the emotional prosody voices were presented as the deviated task-irrelevant stimuli. In Experiment 1, the participants were instructed to ignore sounds and to classify the pictures. In Experiment 2, we adopted a dual-task paradigm, which required participants to respond to the target letters first and then to point whether they hear the novel emotional prosody. And in experiment 2, we also manipulated the level of perceptual load through changing the similarity between the letters in virtual round. Results showed that: (1) Reaction time of ASD subjects were longer than TD subjects under any different emotions rhyme categories. (2) Whether in high or low perceptual load, reaction times and error rates of the main task as well as accuracy of emotional prosody detection task between two groups of participants have no significant differences. In providing notice indicating conditions, even in a high perceptual load level, ASD subjects of emotional rhythm detection capability and error rates are similar to TD subjects, but for emotional rhythm react time with neutral rhythm no difference. These findings revealed that ASD have the similar attention processing level with TD in attention conditions. The results of two studies strongly suggested that the attention bias to emotional prosody was deficient in the teenagers with ASD, which was consistent with the results from visual channels and the teenagers with ASD have defect on emotional attention bias in auditory channel, main showed low perception efficiency on emotional rhythm perception.


Optical properties of a thin amorphous silica membrane and the supported γ-alumina layer on which it was coated were obtained from spectroscopic ellipsometry. The thicknesses of γ-alumina and silica layers from ellipsometric spectra were 1.654 m and 73 nm, respectively. The porosity of the γ-alumina layer was 51%. The porosity of the silica layer (15-25%), appeared to be smaller than that of unsupported silica material prepared by a similar method. Determination of the porosity of the silica layer, however, was quite inaccurate, because optical properties of the pure material were not exactly known. Ellipsometry was also used to determine the sorption behavior of CO2 in the γ-alumina and silica layers. For both layers the observed sorption behavior could be described by a Langmuir isotherm (cCO2, max = 0.84 and 2.8-3.0 mmol·g-1, respectively), with Arrhenius-type temperature dependence (sorption heat 24.6±1.0 and 27.0±1.3 kJ·mol-1, respectively). The adsorption behavior of supported and unsupported -alumina appeared to be similar. The heat of sorption was larger for supported thin silica layers than for unsupported bulk silica, suggesting smaller pores in the thin layer.


Epithelial apico-basal polarity is established through the asymmetric cortical distribution of the Par, Crumbs and Scribble polarity modules. Apical (Par and Crumbs) and basolateral (Scribble) polarity modules overlap at the apical-lateral border, which, in mammals, is defined by the apical junctional complex (AJC). The AJC is composed of tight junctions (TJ) and adherens junctions (AJ) and plays fundamental roles in epithelial morphogenesis and plasticity. However, the molecular composition and precise sub-junctional organization of the AJC and its associated polarity regulators are still not well defined. Here we used the peroxidase APEX2 for quantitative proximity proteomics (QPP) and electron microscopy (EM) imaging to generate a nanometer-scale spatio-molecular map of the apical-lateral border in fully polarized MDCK-II cells. Using Par3 and Pals1 as surrogates for QPP we present a spatially resolved network of ∼800 junction-associated proteins. The network dissects TJ and AJ components and provides strong evidence that TJ are composed of distinct apical and basal subdomains. Moreover, we find that Pals1 and its binding partners PatJ, Lin7c and Crumbs3 define a hitherto unidentified membrane compartment apical of TJ, which we coin the vertebrate marginal zone (VMZ). The VMZ is physically associated with HOMER scaffolding proteins, regulators of apical exocytosis, and membrane-proximal HIPPO pathway proteins. Taken together our work defines the spatial and molecular organization of the apical-lateral border in fully polarized mammalian epithelial cells, reveals an intriguing molecular and spatial conservation of invertebrate and vertebrate cell polarity protein domains, and provides a comprehensive resource of potentially novel regulators of cell polarity and the mammalian AJC.


Quantum energies which are used in applications are usually composed of repulsive and attractive terms. The objective of this study is to use an accurate and efficient fitting of the repulsive energy instead of using standard parametrizations. The investigation is based on Density Functional Theory and Tight Binding simulations. Our objective is not only to capture the values of the repulsive terms but also to efficiently reproduce the elastic properties and the forces. The elasticity values determine the rigidity of a material when some traction or load is applied on it. The pairpotential is based on an exponential term corrected by B-spline terms. In order to accelerate the computations, one uses a hierarchical optimization for the B-splines on different levels. Carbon graphenes constitute the configurations used in the simulations. We report on some results to show the efficiency of the B-splines on different levels.


ABSTRACT The heat treatment of recombinant mesophilic cells having heterologous thermophilic enzymes results in the denaturation of indigenous mesophilic enzymes and the elimination of undesired side reactions; therefore, highly selective whole-cell catalysts comparable to purified enzymes can be readily prepared. However, the thermolysis of host cells leads to the heat-induced leakage of thermophilic enzymes, which are produced as soluble proteins, limiting the exploitation of their excellent stability in repeated and continuous reactions. In this study, Escherichia coli cells having the thermophilic fumarase from Thermus thermophilus (TtFTA) were treated with glutaraldehyde to prevent the heat-induced leakage of the enzyme, and the resulting cells were used as a whole-cell catalyst in repeated and continuous reactions. Interestingly, although electron microscopic observations revealed that the cellular structure of glutaraldehyde-treated E. coli was not apparently changed by the heat treatment, the membrane permeability of the heated cells to relatively small molecules (up to at least 3 kDa) was significantly improved. By applying the glutaraldehyde-treated E. coli having TtFTA to a continuous reactor equipped with a cell-separation membrane filter, the enzymatic hydration of fumarate to malate could be operated for more than 600 min with a molar conversion yield of 60% or higher.


Eight crossbred barrows (initial body wt of 90 lb and 180 lb for four growing and four finishing pigs, respectively) were fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum and used in 36-d metabolism experiments (4 x 4 Latin squares) to determine the effects of roasting and extruding full-fat soybeans on nutrient utilization. Treatments were 1) soybean meal, 2) roasted soybeans, 3) extruded soybeans, and 4) soybeans extruded with an extrusion enhancer (sodium sulfite). The soybean meal and soybeans were mill-run. The control diet was cornstarch-based, with .9% lysine, .65% Ca, and .55% P for the growing pigs and .75% lysine, .55% Ca, and .45% P for the finishing pigs. For the growing pigs, apparent total tract digestibilities of DM and GE were greater for soybean meal than full-fat soy products. However, ileal digestibilities of DM, GE, N, and amino acids generally were greatest for extruded soybeans and lowest for roasted soybeans, with soybean meal intermediate. Differences at the terminal ileum were more pronounced than for the total tract, thus indicating that hind-gut fermentation is likely to mask many of the true nutritional differences in feedstuffs. For finishing pigs, total tract digestibilities of DM and GE were greater for soybean meal than for the full-fat soy products because of the relatively low digestibility coefficients for roasted soybeans. Ileal digestibilities of DM, GE, and N were greater for the extruded soybeans and extruded soybeans with sodium sulfite than for the roasted soybeans. Availabilities of the indispensable amino acids measured at the terminal ileum were greatest for extruded soybeans, intermediate for soybean meal, and lowest for roasted soybeans. In conclusion, nutrient digestibilities and availabilities of indispensable amino acids tended to be greatest in extruded soybeans, intermediate in soybean meal, and lowest in roasted soybeans for growing and finishing pigs.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 17, 1994


This paper presents the methodology adopted for implementation of Peltier cooling in hermetically sealed electronic packaging units used in sub-sea vessels. In sub-sea vessels, sonar front-end electronics is packaged in hermetically sealed electronic packaging units. The thermal design of the unit is a highly challenging task considering the heat dissipation of 300W from the electronics, non-availability of chilled air for cooling and IP68 sealing requirements. Cooling fans cannot be integrated, since these units are to be placed in acoustically sensitive pressure capsule area of the subsea vessel. The electronic cooling in this unit is achieved using conduction cooling with external fins. To enhance the cooling, suitable Peltier cooling (Thermo-electric cooling or TEC) module is selected and implemented with the system. Computational fluid dynamic analysis of the unit is carried-out to study the air-flow and thermal performances with Peltier cooler. The unit is realised and the estimated temperatures validated by experimental temperature measurements on the realised unit. The measured temperatures are within the safe operating limits of the electronic components and hence the cooling design of the unit is satisfactory. It is also observed that maximum temperature reduction has occurred at 1.5A current and card edge temperature of Printed circuit board lowered by 9.28 °C by implementing Peltier cooling.


Abstract. In this paper we present recent achievements on developing and testing a tool to detect the composition of ambient ions in the mass/charge range up to 2000 Th. The instrument is an Atmospheric Pressure Interface Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (APi-TOF, Tofwerk AG). Its mass accuracy is better than 0.002%, and the mass resolving power is 3000 Th/Th. In the data analysis, a new efficient Matlab based set of programs (tofTools) were developed, tested and used. The APi-TOF was tested both in laboratory conditions and applied to outdoor air sampling in Helsinki at the SMEAR III station. Transmission efficiency calibrations showed a throughput of 0.1–0.5% in the range 100–1300 Th for positive ions, and linearity over 3 orders of magnitude in concentration was determined. In the laboratory tests the APi-TOF detected sulphuric acid-ammonia clusters in high concentration from a nebulised sample illustrating the potential of the instrument in revealing the role of sulphuric acid clusters in atmospheric new particle formation. The APi-TOF features a high enough accuracy, resolution and sensitivity for the determination of the composition of atmospheric small ions although the total concentration of those ions is typically only 400–2000 cm−3. The atmospheric ions were identified based on their exact masses, utilizing Kendrick analysis and correlograms as well as narrowing down the potential candidates based on their proton affinities as well isotopic patterns. In Helsinki during day-time the main negative ambient small ions were inorganic acids and their clusters. The positive ions were more complex, the main compounds were (poly)alkyl pyridines and – amines. The APi-TOF provides a near universal interface for atmospheric pressure sampling, and this key feature will be utilized in future laboratory and field studies.


To assess the influence of enteric factors on insulin action, seven lean healthy subjects were studied under conditions of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp, double isotope administration, and enteral vs. parenteral glucose infusion. In random order, glucose and mannitol radiolabeled with [2-3H]glucose were infused intraduodenally for 4 h while the systemic rate of glucose turnover was assessed by [6-14C]glucose. During the final hour of the study, plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, cholecystokinin, and neurotensin were similar under both experimental conditions. Despite an increase in gastric inhibitory polypeptide concentration during combined enteral and iv glucose infusion to levels that mimicked meal ingestion, total glucose infusion rate, insulin-induced stimulation of glucose uptake, and insulin-induced suppression of hepatic glucose release were comparable to those observed during iv glucose administration. These data indicate that under conditions of modest hyperinsulinemia and euglycemia, gastric inhibitory polypeptide did not influence hepatic or extrahepatic insulin action.


Non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) make a heterogenous pharmaco-therapeutic class of drugs among the most used drugs worldwide with various indications, modes of administration and increasing automedication. NSAIDs can cause acute liver injury with variable severity. The recent identification of genetic markers might facilitate the diagnosis and the prediction of hepatotoxicity risk.


Escherichia coli O157 causes severe enteritis and the extraintestinal complication of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, with their highest incidence occurring in children. We postulated that serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the O-specific polysaccharide of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may confer protective immunity to enteric pathogens by inducing bactericidal reactions against the ingested organisms in the jejunum (J. B. Robbins, C. Chu, and R. Schneerson, Clin. Infect. Dis. 15:346-361, 1992; S. C. Szu, R. Gupta, and J. B. Robbins, p. 381-394, in I. K. Wachsmuth, P. A. Blake, and O. Olsvik, ed., Vibrio cholerae, 1994). Because polysaccharide-protein conjugates induce serum IgG antibodies in infants, we bound the O-specific polysaccharide of E. coli O157 to proteins. E. coli O157 LPS, treated with acetic acid or hydrazine, was derivatized with adipic acid dihydrazide and bound to proteins by carbodiimide-mediated condensation. Conjugates of these adipic hydrazide derivative were prepared with bovine serum albumin, formalin-treated exotoxin C of Clostridium welchii (Pig Bel toxoid), or Pseudomonas aeruginosa recombinant exoprotein A. The conjugates had low levels of endotoxin and elicited serum antibodies with bactericidal activity to the O157 LPS. The largest increase in LPS antibodies was of the IgG class. Clinical evaluation of E. coli O157-toxoid conjugates is planned.


Increasing disturbance events (forest fires, windstorms, pest outbreaks) associated with climate change are creating new ecological restoration challenges. Here, we examine the utility of assisted migration in combination with naturally established nurse plants in order to improve the success of afforestation with Abies religiosa (sacred fir), the overwintering host of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). We established high-elevation assisted migration A. religiosa provenance field tests at two sites (Las Palomas and Los Ailes) in the core overwintering areas of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR), central Mexico. At each site, two-year-old seedlings were planted either in the open or under existing nurse plants. Three–and-a-half years after planting at the Las Palomas site (5.5 years from germination), A. religiosa seedling survival was 72% under the shade of nurse plants, but only 18% in open areas (without shade). At the Los Ailes site, a year-and-a-half after planting in the field (3.5 years from germination), survival was 94% and 10%, respectively. There were not significant differences in seedling height increment among populations at both sites. The results of our study and those published elsewhere suggest that A. religiosa benefits from shade protection of nurse plants and that population transfer 400 m upward in elevation (i.e., assisted migration) to compensate for future warmer climates does not appear to have any negative impacts on the seedlings, while potentially conferring closer alignment to future climates. If absent in planting sites, we recommend growing nurse shrub species (such as Baccharis conferta) alongside tree seedlings in forest nurseries so that these shrubs could be transplanted to the reforestation site two years before planting the tree seedlings.


Abstract New melting experiments in a 0.5 inch piston-cylinder apparatus from 0.5 to 3.0 GPa on compositions along the diopside-wollastonite join show that the eutectic liquid composition, which varies with pressure, does not change with time in experiments with barium carbonate or with talc/pyrex pressure media. Mapping out the trace of the diopside-wollastonite eutectic curve in P-T space with both piston-in and piston-out experiments reveals high-temperature pressure intensification in piston-in experiments with barium carbonate or talc/pyrex assemblies, in contrast to frictional loss of pressure at lower temperatures. A new pressure correction algorithm, derived by multiple regression analysis, incorporates both effects. When applied to a barium carbonate experiment at the intersection of the CMAS spinel-lherzolite to garnet-lherzolite transition (SGT) with the model peridotite solidus, the model pressure increases from 2.25 to 2.82 GPa. When a similar type of correction is applied to piston- out experiments run in talc/pyrex assemblies, the pressure of the intersection of the SGT and the CMAS solidus decreases from 3.0 to ~2.9 GPa, in agreement with the barium carbonate experiments from this study and with experiments from other studies run with salt/pyrex assemblies.


Issues of Violence are increasing in some recent years, especially in Indonesia, including domestic violence. Victims of this violence will experience psychosocial problems ranging from mild to severe. Therefore, the Social Work profession is relevant to this issue. Previous research had been done to study the practice of Social group work through psychosocial therapy for women experiencing domestic violence, especially at the city of Bandung in West Java, Indonesia. Six (6) study subjects were used as target research through purposive technique. This study used a qualitative approach with action research methods through twelve (12) sessions by using a psychosocial therapy intervention group. Psychosocial problems experienced by members of the group (research subjects) were as follows: behavioral conditions of anxiety, stress and trauma as a result of the violence they experienced resolved through various stages in Social Work with Groups through psychosocial therapy intervention, so the practice of various techniques / psychosocial therapy as part of this study were revealed and described. The results showed that psychosocial therapy interventions group is effective to overcome the domestic violence problem.


The objective of this research is to identify the source of differences between students' practical coursework among the less able and more able students towards Living Skill practice. The participants of this qualitative study is consist of 6 students from 2 Jujur who is from the more able class and 5 students from 2 Dedikasi which is a class of less able students and also teachers at a secondary school in Perlis. Data from this study include interviews and observation towards the practical process being carried out by the students and also teachers who teach those classes. All those chosen samples are involved with the Living Skill Learning component such as needlework practice and carpentry. The finding reveals that the less able students could produce better results in their practical coursework compared to the more able students. This factor is due to the less able students being really interested in the practical coursework compared to the theory classes. The excellent students are lacking of motivation in doing practical coursework as they feel that the course will consume a lot of times thus, it wastes their time if compared with the ordinary lesson in classroom. However, the findings also show that, there are some less able students who produce very poor results in their practical coursework as they are not interested and lack motivation. The research findings also prove that not all more able students produce unsatisfactory results for this coursework as there are some of them who could produce excellent result due to their interest and they do have intrinsic motivation to the particular subject, to get the best result in their PMR examination. They also fell that there is relevance of this field with their interest and future career. Hence teachers need to help students to become interested in Living skill and students need to maintain their interest in the field as they further their studies in the future.


Objective: In this research, chicken anemia virus apoptin optimized genetically for expression in Escherichia coli and also modified using (His) 6 tag, (Arg) 8 tag, and HlyA tag intended for purification needs, penetration enhancement, and secretion from bacterial host to the growth media. Methods : The modified apoptin gene was optimized using an Integrated DNA Technology (IDT). The gene (606 bp) then ordered and synthesized by Eurofins. The apoptin gene was expressed using E. coli BL21 CodonPlus as host, in cultivation temperature of 37 °C, and 25 °C and purified using Ni-NTA agarose beads. The addition of (His) 6 tag enabled the apoptin to be purified in only one step by using nickel column. The expression and purification data analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively using SDS-PAGE. MTT assay was used to identify the antitumor effect of octa arginine-apoptin to two kinds of cancer cells, cervix HeLa cancer cell and colon Widr cancer cell. The viability of cell was analyzed when the cell incubated in the variation concentration protein for 72 h. Results: The constructed apoptin gene were expressed in E. coli successfully. The MTT assay indicated that Octaarginin-Apoptin was able to induce apoptosis of HeLa and Widr cells lines in a dose-dependent manner. The recombinant apoptin without tagging with octa-arginine, have no ability to induce apoptosis of HeLa and Widr cells lines. Conclusion: This octa arginine-apoptin may in the future allow the development of a therapeutic protein that is able to kill cancer cells specifically.


In this study we have shown that Quercus infectoria attenuates Fe- NTA induced renal oxidative stress, hyperproliferative response and renal carcinogenesis in rats. Fe-NTA promoted DEN (N-diethyl nitrosamine) initiated renal carcinogenesis by increasing the percentage incidence of tumors and induces early tumor markers viz. ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) level and PCNA expression. Fe- NTA (9 mg Fe/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) enhances renal Malondialdehyde, xanthine oxidase and hydrogen peroxide generation with reduction in renal glutathione content, antioxidant enzymes, viz., glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and phase-II metabolizing enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase. It also enhances blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Fe-NTA also lead to increase in levels of some inflammatory markers viz NO and MPO and some proinflammatory cytokines viz PGE-2 and TNF-1. The chemopreventive efficacy of Quercus infectoria was studied in terms of xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme activities, LPO, redox status, serum toxicity markers, inflammatory and proinflammatory markers and cell proliferation in the kidney tissue. Oral administration of Quercus infectoria at doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg b wt effectively suppressed renal oxidative stress, inflammation and tumor incidence. Chemopreventive effects of Quercus infectoria were associated with up-regulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme activities and down regulation of serum toxicity markers. Present study supports Quercus infectoria as a potent chemopreventive agent and suppresses Fe-NTA-induced renal carcinogenesis and oxidative and inflammatory response in Wistar rat.


Ovarian thecal cell production of C19 steroids (i.e. dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, and testosterone) is necessary to provide substrate for granulosa cell biosynthesis of estrogen; however, excessive production of C19 steroids can lead to disorders associated with androgen excess. Because of difficulties in obtaining adequate numbers of thecal cells, the biomolecular regulation of C19 steroid production and expression of steroidogenic enzymes is not well defined. We have overcome this obstacle by developing a highly dependable and unique human ovarian thecal-like tumor (HOTT) cell culture model system from an ovarian tumor found to produce excessive amounts of C19 steroids. Aliquots of freshly dispersed tumor cells were frozen for future use. Once placed in monolayer culture, HOTT cells proliferated and could be maintained for extended periods. Acutely, cultured HOTT cells increased progesterone and cAMP production in response to 2 h of forskolin treatment. These cells were, however, unresponsive to treatment with LH. Steroid hormone production continued in cells that were maintained in culture for up to 2 months. Analysis of the steroids produced by HOTT cells was accomplished using RIA and high performance liquid chromatography. Under basal conditions, HOTT cells produced mainly 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and progesterone. Treatment with forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) increased the production of progesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone as well as C19 steroids. Treatment of monolayer cultures of HOTT cells with forskolin (0.01 to 20 mumol/L) or dbcAMP (0.01 to 1 mmol/L) for 48 h increased the production of androstenedione (8- to 15-fold) and progesterone (2- to 5-fold). In HOTT cells chronically treated with forskolin or dbcAMP (up to 72 h), progesterone production was observed to plateau, although the amount of androstenedione continued to increase. The enzymatic activities of both 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (6-fold), and 17 alpha-hydroxylase P450 (P450c17; 9-fold) were also increased by activation of the protein kinase A messenger pathway. Treatment of HOTT cells with forskolin caused a time-dependent induction of the messenger RNAs for cholesterol side-chain cleavage P450, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and P450c17. No changes in steroidogenic enzyme expression were observed following treatment with LH. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that certain ovarian tumor cells may serve well as appropriate models to study the molecular mechanisms regulating human ovarian thecal cell C19 steroidogenesis and the expression of steroid-metabolizing enzymes.


One hundred consecutive patients with serious illnesses that required angiography were studied prospectively for the development of radiocontrast-induced acute renal failure. The study included 24 diabetics (six diabetics had chronic renal insufficiency), 19 patients with chronic renal insufficiency of other causes, 15 patients with concentrated urine, and 56 patients who received 100 mL or more of a contrast agent. Acute renal failure developed in only one patient. Previous series that indicated much higher incidences were retrospective and not inclusive of all patients, or these studies were composed mainly of patients with diabetic nephropathy and chronic renal failure to whom high doses of a contrast agent were given. Angiography is unlikely to produce acute renal failure except in an occasional patient with well-defined risk factors.


In this paper I want to discuss a psychogeographical project conducted at the main site of the horrific and monstrous September 11th 2001 attacks in New York, U.S.A. I will explain how I made sense of and reflected on my experiences of being at that site
as well as conceptualising how I drew on the situationist practice of psychogeographical walking. I will explain how I drew on the work of the
situationists and why their ideas of detournement, spectacle and psychogeography are important. In terms of my experience in being at the site of the attacks, I will also discuss core themes of my research including trauma and violence and the limits of
words to explain experience. In recent years in my research, I have connected and considered this work in relation to the current memorialization of the Ground Zero site, to current political events (i.e. the ongoing war on 'terrorism', the banking crisis,
Occupy, and more recently with the Charlie Hebdo events) and in relation to considering how my research in psychology should connect with political practice and social change.


Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a common cause of chronic pain, which is associated with a total cost of $635 billion per year in the U.S. Emerging evidence suggests an anti-nociceptive action of botulinum toxin, independent of its muscle paralyzing action. This review provides a summary of data from both non-randomized and randomized clinical studies of botulinum toxin in back pain and various osteoarticular conditions, including osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, low back pain and hand pain. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of small sizes provide evidence of short-term efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of 100 units of botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) for the relief of pain and the improvement of both function and quality of life in patients with chronic joint pain due to arthritis. Three RCTs studied intramuscular BoNT/A for tennis elbow with one showing a significant improvement in pain relief compared with placebo, another one showing no difference from placebo, and the third finding that pain and function improvement with BoNT/A injection were similar to those obtained with surgical release. One RCT of intramuscular BoNT/A for low back pain found improvement in pain and function compared to placebo. Single RCTs using local injections of BoNT in patients with either temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain or plantar fasciitis found superior efficacy compared to placebo. One RCT of intramuscular BoNT/B in patients with hand pain and carpal tunnel syndrome found improvement in pain in both BoNT/B and placebo groups, but no significant difference between groups. Most evidence is based on small studies, but the use of BoNT is supported by a single, and sometimes up to three, RCTs for several chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions. This indicates that botulinum toxin may be a promising potential new treatment for chronic refractory musculoskeletal pain. Well-designed large clinical trials are needed.


Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) is known for its self‐renewal capacity. We have studied the in vitro proliferation of isolated SSC from adult alpaca (Vicugna pacos) testes. A total of 107 samples were evaluated of which 31 were evaluated at baseline, 36 were cultivated in DMEM and 40 in STEMPRO media. Half of the cultivated samples was analysed after 14 days, and the rest after 21 days. Round cell subpopulations were identified with FITC‐DBA by flow cytometry: strongly positive DBA (sDBA+) as SSC, weakly positive DBA (wDBA+) as in early differentiation and negative DBA as differentiated. At the beginning, 4.16% of the cells were SSC, 37.61% wDBA+ while 54.12% were DBA−. After 14 days, 42.28% of SSC, 44.68% wDBA+ and 11.07% DBA− were found in DMEM while 47.09% of SSC, 32.57% wDBA+ and 18.48% DBA− in STEMPRO. After 21 days 38.66% were SSC, 52.78% wDBA and 7.65% DBA− in DMEM and on STEMPRO media 47.92% SSC, 44.20% wDBA+, 4.93% DBA−. There is a significant difference between the number of initial and SSC cultivated, as well as between DBA− (p < 0.05), while there is no significant difference between the wDBA+ (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that both culture media are appropriate for the in vitro proliferation of alpacas SSC.


This study was carried out to investigate changes in proximate, sugars and cell wall components of cassava root sieviates (CRS) treated with extracted enzymes obtained from Aspergillus niger (An), Trichoderma viridae (Tv), Rhizopus stolonifer (Rs) and Mucor mucedo (Mm) applied on autoclaved CRS at 250ml/kg. Another treatment that had a commercial enzyme Roxazyme G2G (RG2G) as the degrading agent was prepared and the enzyme was applied at 150g/tonne as recommended by the manufacturer. At the end of the7 thday after enzyme application, the chemical analysis showed a higher bioavailability of nutrients in the degraded samples than the undegraded sample. Non starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in the CRS was negatively related to crude protein, ash and metabolisable energy (P<0.05) but positively related to crude fibre, pectin, neutraldetergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicellulose and cellulose content . The highest value of metabolisable energy (ME), Ash, crude protein and phosphorus were : 2807.81kcal/kg, 17.32,18.32 and 0.91 g/100gdry matter respectively; obtained when A.niger, T.viridae, A. niger and R. stolonifer enzymes were added respectively .The lowest values of crude fibre, pectin, NDF,ADF, ADL, hemicellulose and cellulose were: 4.82,3.52,30.74, 17.12, 3.74,13.71 and 14.46g/100g dry matter respectively obtained when enzymes extracted from A.niger , R. stolonifer, T. viride ,A. niger, R. stolonifer, M. mucedo and T. viride were applied . Results of levels of sugars (µg/ml) in undegraded CRS showed that glucose level increased by 72.40% (257.34 to 932.22), 67.18%(257.34 to 784.20), 53.75%(257.34 to 556.40), 50.13%(257.32 to 516.06) and 32.53%(257.34 to 381.43) when enzyme preparations from A. niger, T.viridae , R.stolonifer, M.mucedo, and Roxazyme G2G were applied on CRS for degradation respectively . Other sugars that were significantly (P<0.05) increased after biodegradation were galactose, fructose and sucrose. Significant (P<0.05) differences were also expressed in the mineral analysis. After biodegradation, the degraded CRS had better mineral bioavailability as there were improvements in the minerals quantity. The results revealed that the use of enzymes from the above named fungi and the commercial enzymes defiberised the CRS and hydrolyzed the cell walls and hence promoted better availability of energy, crude proteins and other nutrients which were hitherto unavailable.


The majority of optimization methods lose their applicability when solving highly dimensional functions. The required calculation effort usually becomes enormous as dimensions increase, regardless of the elegance of the method. Most methods concern themselves with finding a single optimum that satisfies the required accuracy, but that provides no quantitative measure (i.e., probability of correctness) indicating whether the true optimum is found. Furthermore, there is usually no exact measure of the calculation effort prior to starting the procedure. There is always an unavoidable coupling (i.e., relation) between the accuracy, probability, and calculation effort of an optimization method, but the exact form of this relation is dependent on the procedures followed to reach optimum. Ideally, an optimization method should facilitate the statement of required accuracy, required probability, and the required calculation effort separately and the method should take care of the rest (i.e., total decoupling of the three requirements). Although this ideal case is generally not possible, it is possible to move toward it by finding procedures that reduce the strength of this unwanted coupling. This report derives simple analytical relations between the required accuracy, probability, and calculation effort of a general multidimensional adaptive grid non-gradient guided (NGG) search method where the search points are generated either decisively or randomly. It is then shown that any adaptive method based on reducing the total solution space is heavily penalized. Further, it is analytically illustrated that if the adaptive grid is randomly generated, it is far less successful than the non-random adaptive grid, because the amount of grid adaptation is less decisive at every step, due to the randomness. As with many optimization techniques, the dimensionality problem limits the application of this method to cases where the function evaluation is real time (∼milliseconds) and dimensions are lower than say 25, which occurs in conceptual/preliminary design systems such as CAGED (Shahroudi, 1994b). This method is also particularly useful for problems in which the number of optima is known in advance. In this case the required probability can be set to its minimum value, which is required in order to distinguish an absolute optimum from a known (or likely) number of optima. The coupling relations derived in this report will then provide the minimum calculation effort necessary to satisfy accuracy and probability requirements.


We study a sample of about 1400 disk M dwarfs that are found in 148 fields observed with the Wide Field Camera 2 (WFC2) on the Hubble Space Telescope and 162 fields observed with pre-repair Planetary Camera 1 (PC1), of which 95 of the WFC2 fields are newly analyzed. The method of maximum likelihood is applied to derive the luminosity function and the Galactic disk parameters. At first, we use a local color-magnitude relation and a locally determined mass-luminosity relation in our analysis. The results are consistent with those of previous work but with considerably reduced statistical errors. These small statistical errors motivate us to investigate the systematic uncertainties. Considering the metallicity gradient above the Galactic plane, we introduce a modified color-magnitude relation that is a function of Galactic height. The resultant M dwarf luminosity function has a shape similar to that derived using the local color-magnitude relation but with a higher peak value. The peak occurs at MV ~ 12, and the luminosity function drops sharply toward MV ~ 14. We then apply a height-dependent mass-luminosity function interpolated from theoretical models with different metallicities to calculate the mass function. Unlike the mass function obtained using local relations, which has a power-law index α = 0.47, the one derived from the height-dependent relations tends to be flat (α = -0.10). The resultant local surface density of disk M dwarfs (12.2 ± 1.6 M☉ pc-2) is somewhat smaller than the one obtained using local relations (14.3 ± 1.3 M☉ pc-2). Our measurement favors a short disk scale length, H = 2.75 ± 0.16 (statistical) ± 0.25 (systematic) kpc.


Sub-Saharan Africa's long-term growth performance will need to improve significantly for the region to visibly reduce poverty and raise the standard of living to an acceptable level. Appropriate actions will also be needed to ensure that an adequate share of the growing income is devoted to reducing poverty. The key policy question for these countries and their development partners is how to spur economic growth. Empirical studies suggest that the contributions to growth of physical investment and total factor productivity in sub-Saharan Africa have been low in comparison with other regions and have declined over time. These trends have reflected inefficiencies in resource allocation, poor delivery of public goods, notably health care and education; and the high risk of doing business in many parts of the region. Moreover, although the labor force has expanded rapidly, its productivity has remained relatively low because of generally poor standards of health and education.


Today's computing systems provide all kinds of media output to the users including pictures, sounds, lights and visual animations; but user input is mostly restricted to narrow, time-consuming input modes such as mouse, touch screen or keyboard, even if the system could sense this information implicitly from the human body. Physiological computing allows one to re-balance this information asymmetry by considering also physiological data of the users as input during on-line processing. Using such inputs, physiological computing systems are becoming able to monitor, diagnose and respond to the cognitive, emotional and physical states of persons in real time. In this paper we give an introduction to physiological computing, discuss the challenges that typically arise when developing physiological computing systems, and solutions that we found promising in the creation of case studies. More specifically, we discuss the concepts software frameworks should incorporate to provide guidance in the development process: component-orientation, data processing support, and distribution support were found useful when dealing with physiological computing systems, where real-time sensing, on-line data processing, actuator control, context-awareness and self-adaptation are involved. Furthermore, we discuss why agile software development methodologies seem appropriate to structure development efforts involving physiological computing. Finally, we cover the issues in validation and verification of physiological computing systems that arise from the characteristics of the application domain, and discuss how empirical validation through psychological experiments, software validation and verification can interact with each other in the domain of physiological computing.


Ever since the development of lightweight polystyrene foam, the material has become an attractive single-use product packaging in various industries. Despite its high versatilities, post consumed polystyrene foam has very low rate of recycling due to the high cost during transportation and there is hardly any established economical recycling route. The purpose of this research is to investigate the potential of converting the polystyrene foam waste as raw material for producing wood plastic composite (WPC). In the present study, predefined formulation of recycled polystyrene (rPS), durian husk fiber (DHF) and processing aid Ultra-PlastTM WP516 were melt blended with the aid of Haake internal mixer. The homogenous mixtures were subsequently compression molded to form WPC. The effect of material compositions on tensile, thermal, and morphological properties of the rPS/DHF composite was highlighted. The results showed that tensile strength and modulus increase with fiber content, while elongation at break and thermal stability were decreased. With higher loading of Ultra-PlastTM WP516, both tensile and thermal properties decreased. This research found that WPC with optimum strength of 18.8 MPa can be produced from rPS having 60 parts per hundred resin (phr) of DHF and 0.5 phr of Ultra-PlastTM WP516, albeit the measured tensile strength is lower compared to commercial alternatives. The resulting WPC possess great potential in none high strength, structurally demanding application.


We report Very Large Array observations at 7 mm, 9 mm, and 3 cm toward the pre-transitional disk of the Herbig Ae star HD 169142. These observations have allowed us to study the millimeter emission of this disk with the highest angular resolution so far (0.″12 × 0.″09, or 14 au × 11 au, at 7 mm). Our 7 and 9 mm images show a narrow ring of emission at a radius of ∼25 au tracing the outer edge of the inner gap. This ring presents an asymmetric morphology that could be produced by dynamical interactions between the disk and forming planets. Additionally, the azimuthally averaged radial intensity profiles of the 7 and 9 mm images confirm the presence of the previously reported gap at ∼45 au and reveal a new gap at ∼85 au. We analyzed archival DCO+(3–2) and C18O(2–1) ALMA observations, showing that the CO snowline is located very close to this third outer gap. This suggests that growth and accumulation of large dust grains close to the CO snowline could be the mechanism responsible for this proposed outer gap. Finally, a compact source of emission is detected at 7 mm, 9 mm, and 3 cm toward the center of the disk. Its flux density and spectral index indicate that it is dominated by free–free emission from ionized gas, which could be associated with the photoionization of the inner disk, an independent object, or an ionized jet.


In this work, we present the seismic catalogue compiled for Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan) in the framework of the Earthquake Model Central Asia (EMCA) project. The catalogue from 2000 B.C. to 2009 A.D. is composed by 33,034 earthquakes in the MLH magnitude (magnitude by surface waves on horizontal components widely used in practice of the former USSR countries) range from 1.5 to 8.3. The catalogue includes both macroseimic and instrumental constrained data, with about 32,793 earthquake after 1900 A.D. The main sources and procedure used to compile the catalogues are discussed, and the comparison with the ISC-GEM catalogue presented. Magnitude of completeness analysis shows that the catalogue is complete down to magnitude 4 from 1959 and to magnitude 7 from 1873, whereas the obtained regional b value is 0.805.


As noted in part 1 of this series, periprocedural cardiac arrest (PPCA) can differ greatly in etiology and treatment from what is described by the American Heart Association advanced cardiac life support algorithms, which were largely developed for use in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and in-hospital cardiac arrest outside of the perioperative space. Specifically, there are several life-threatening causes of PPCA of which the management should be within the skill set of all anesthesiologists. However, previous research has demonstrated that continued review and training in the management of these scenarios is greatly needed and is also associated with improved delivery of care and outcomes during PPCA. There is a growing body of literature describing the incidence, causes, treatment, and outcomes of common causes of PPCA (eg, malignant hyperthermia, massive trauma, and local anesthetic systemic toxicity) and the need for a better awareness of these topics within the anesthesiology community at large. As noted in part 1 of this series, these events are always witnessed by a member of the perioperative team, frequently anticipated, and involve rescuer–providers with knowledge of the patient and the procedure they are undergoing or have had. Formulation of an appropriate differential diagnosis and rapid application of targeted interventions are critical for good patient outcome. Resuscitation algorithms that include the evaluation and management of common causes leading to cardiac in the perioperative setting are presented. Practicing anesthesiologists need a working knowledge of these algorithms to maximize good outcomes.


This
study proposes a novel, simple and cost-effective PON-based next generation
mobile backhaul RAN architecture that enables redistribution of some of the
intelligence currently centralized in the Mobile Packet Core (MPC) platform out
into the access nodes of the RAN. Specifically, this work proposes a fully
distributed ring-based EPON architecture that enables the support of a
converged PON-4G/5G mobile WiMAX/LTE access networking transport infrastructure
to seamlessly backhaul both mobile and wireline multimedia traffic and
services.


Objective: To determine gynecologic pathologies associated with abnormal plasma glucose in order to provide clinicians with an opportunity to achieve prevention or early detection of diabetes and better control of co-morbidities linked to hyperglycemia.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including all adult gynecologic non pregnant patients admitted for routine consultation between 1st and 30th August 2012 at the university clinics of Kinshasa, DR Congo, irrespective of their clinical status. Information generated by their charts was used for extensive identification of general characteristics. Random venous blood glucose was assayed upon recruitment by use of One Touch Profile Meters (Lifescan, Johnson & Johnson, High Wycombe, U.K.). Using Odds ratios and logistic regression calculation we assessed risk for abnormal glucose concentration.
Results: This study recruited 99 participants whose general characteristics are (mean ± SD): 34.3 ± 13.0 years, 1.7 ± 2.7 and 2.3 ± 1.2 for age, parity and gravidity, respectively. The five major complaints were: pelvic/back pain (33.3%), vaginal discharge with/without pruritus (10.1%), mastodynia (8.1%), amenorrhea (7.1%), infertility and abnormal uterine bleeding (6.1% each). The major diagnoses were myoma (13.1%), urinary infection (11.1%), polycystic ovaries syndrome (9.1%), breast cancer 9.1%), infertility (9.1%), cervicitis (7.1%), vaginitis (5.1%) and ovarian cyst (4%). The mean plasma glucose concentrations of the sample was 123.7 ± 51.6 mg/dL, and none of the 11 (11.1%) who qualified as diabetic patients (having >200 mg/dL) presented with symptoms of marked hyperglycemia. Micropolycystic ovaries syndrome and cervical cancer significantly raised the risk for pathologic glucose concentration (OR 9.8; CI 1.1-86.8 and OR 35.1; CI 1.6-75.1, respectively), mostly when patients were either ≥ 35 years old or overweight/obese or both.
Conclusions: Ignored hyperglycemia that can be present in certain gynecological situations years before the development of overt diabetes could be regarded as missed opportunity for early detection of diabetes. In turn, better glycemic control is expected to improve the situations concerned.


Three ultrasonic transmitters of single power of 50W, frequency of 20~50 kHz,60~100 kHz and 100~150 kHz were used to remove bloom algae of Pengxi River in Three Gorges Area. The results show that algae are removed in some certain degree by 5 min's irradiation of low-frequency and low-power ultrasound, the process follows the first order reaction, and the rate constant is 0.0384 min-1. In this study, the optimal ultrasonic time is 5 min, the removal of algae density and Chlorophyll-a are about 15% and 7%, the optimal frequency are 20~50 kHz and 100~150 kHz respectively.


The paper summarizes experiences of development and use of interactive software for computer aided design of control systems. Different principles for interaction with users having wide ranges of experiences and knowledge are discussed. A comprehensive set of packages for modeling, identification, analysis, simulation, and design are described. Problems associated with structuring, portability, maintainability and extensibility are discussed. Experiences from development and use of the packages in teaching and industrial environments are discussed. Some views on future development of CAD for control systems are also given.


Archaeological ceramics Terra Sigillata manufactured in different production centres have been studied by "laser induced plasma spectroscopy" (LIPS). The aim of this work is to demonstrate the capability of LIPS for the classification of pottery shreds in function of their provenance. Characteristic emission spectra of different pottery groups were obtained and simple linear correlation methods were used for grouping samples. In addition, complementary scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) analysis were performed to obtain morphological features and to confirm chemical results